Experts propose long-term vision for stability in the East Sea

Updated: 11:03’ - 24/11/2015

Southeast Asian countries must develop a long-term vision to ensure peace, stability and development in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing East Sea dispute, experts told the 7th annual East Sea International Conference on Cooperation for Regional Security and Development held on November 23-24 in Vung Tau city, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.

President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Dang Dinh Quy addresses the conference__Photo: Doan Manh Duong/VNA

In his opening speech, Dang Dinh Quy, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, said the importance of the East Sea to the security and development for the region and the world would continue to grow.

He pointed out that the environment in the East Sea had become worse, thus reducing marine resources and changing the status quo. The balance of power between those directly involved in the East Sea was also changing rapidly.

Many serious incidents have taken place in the East Sea recently, weakening the confidence among the parties concerned, Quy noted.

He said sovereignty disputes in the East Sea should be addressed by peaceful solutions in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea toward the building of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Quy asked participants to develop new proposals and continue their contributions to ensuring peace and stability in the East Sea.

He proposed state leaders to carefully consider the interests of their nations before deciding to take actions regarding the East Sea in order to establish effective mechanisms to control disputes and conflicts at sea.

The event attracts more than 200 local and international academics and representatives of diplomatic corps__Photo: Doan Manh Duong/VNA

Meanwhile, Nguyen Hong Linh, Secretary of the Party Committee of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, said "More than ever, the current situation in the East Sea is posing an urgent demand for a long-term solution to regional disputes".

Linh said that countries should enhance maritime cooperation and maintain economic, trade and tourism ties, and ensure the safety of fishermen.

He also suggested seeking contributions from coastal localities of countries in keeping peace and intensifying cooperation in the East Sea.

Patrick Cronin, senior advisor and senior director of the Asia-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, said that all countries had a responsibility to comply with international law.

He expressed his hope that China would abide by regional norms, rules and standards, and see that its assertiveness only creates reactions that accelerate tensions and undermine China's reputation as a trustworthy diplomatic partner, citing that one of the most obvious affronts to a rule-based order is China's nine-dash line claim to the East Sea.

"The US can play a key role in its bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, supporting regional and international institutions, maintaining a military presence and increasing activities in response to circumstances, and assisting the building of capacity of allies and friends who share a concern about stability and order in the East Sea," Cronin said.- (VNS/VLLF)